DanceTalk - The Archives
November 2003
Thank for
Visiting the Archieves of Ron's Dance Talk
Ron Bess & daughter
picture courtesy of Eric Novoa
LINKS of INTEREST - for HUSTLE
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From iTunes & Mark James
DanceTalk * 11-25-03
Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Birthday wishes to Connie Macdougal and Frankie Heebner.
The Holiday Spectacular, in Philadelphia, on Sunday December 14th will be holding an amateur hustle, professional hustle and Salsa contests. The Salsa contest is open to both pros and amateurs. This is all part of the Van McCoy tribute. The regional winners will head to Miami to compete in the finals. See below for more details.
Wishing Nelly Cotto a speedy recovery. She is currently acting in the John Leguizamo show "Sexaholics" in New York.
Don't spend Thanksgiving home alone. There are some exceptional socials to attend on Thanksgiving eve and on Thanksgiving Day. See all the listings below. Be thankful and get out and dance.
Pasquale, the dancing soldier, has just completed four months service in Kuwait. He has returned to the states and will be at Michael's Cafe (Bensalem Pa.) this Tuesday. Stop by and welcome him back.
Last week was the last curtain call for Gene Anthony Ray. He passed away at the age of 41. Many will remember him on the TV show "Fame" playing the role of dancer Leroy.
Check out Carl Charles new hustle website http://www.mrcdance.com for dance information, photos and more. .
Audiences at this years Yuletide Ball (January 1 to 4) will get a chance to see George, Leona, and the other members of the Dance Wheels class perform -- they have been invited to do a show choreographed by Sandra Fortuna at this prestigious Dance Sport competition. They credit Sandra for teaching wheelchair dancing at Universal Dance Center. For more details visit www.unidancesport.com
She was the Michael Jordan of hustle dancing, her story is coming to DanceTalk.
Stay tuned,
Make it a great week,
Ron
Time Capsule
This month, in 1975, the dance sound was taking a change. Donna Summer had a break away hit single that climbed the charts to number one. This song began to change the course of the pre-disco era. Quite unique for the time, it was a big hit thru out the world and it helped launch her career. Simply put, it broke boundaries. It wasn't the typical three minute song -- it was the entire side of the album. Many radio stations refused to play the song due to the racy lyrics and the sexual moaning put to a disco beat. How times have changed.
Some of these artists, from the disco era, are still putting out hits in 2003. Donna Summer just released her new album "Ordinary Girl" including three new songs. Gloria Gaynor released her smash album "I Wish You Love" earlier in the year with many wonderful dance tunes including "I Never Knew."
These are the songs that rocked the "Disco Action Chart" on Billboard Magazine twenty-eight years ago. Many of these songs still receive regular air play rotation on radio stations heard world wide.
1) Love To Love You Baby - Donna Summer
2) Casanova Brown - Gloria Gaynor
3) I love Music - The O'Jays
4) Fly Robin Fly - Silver Convention
5) Every Beat Of MY Heart - Crown Heights Affair
6) Do The Latin Hustle - Eddie Drennon and the BBS Unlimited
7) Summer Of 42 - Biddu Orchestra
8) Hooked For Life - The Trammps
9) Undecided Love - The Chequers
10) Brazil - Ritchie Family
Letter To The Editor
Hi Ron,
I really enjoy the newsletter and the articles you write. My wife and I voted in your readers choice contest and picked six out of the eight winners.....
We enjoy hustle dancing and know many of the winners from attending the competitions that were held this year in new Jersey..... Disco America was our first event and we also stayed the weekend at the World hustle competions in Saucaurs. Each week we look forward to reading the updates in your newsleter....We do have one request? Could you tell us where the winners of each category live? My wife and I are having a bit of a dispute. I would appreicate it if you could help clear this up.
Keep up the good work and have a happy Thanksgivin.
Rob and Kathy
DanceTalk response:
* Favorite DJ - Bobby Morales - New York (voted #1 two years in a row)
* Favorite Female Dancer - Silvana Gallagher - Phila. Pa
* Favorite Male Dancer - Keith Gussoni - New Orleans
* Favorite Dance Couple - Erik Novoa and Laura Cozik - New York
* Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) - Luis Rosa and Mary Poma - New York
* Favorite Female Instructor - Diane Nardone - New Jersey ( voted #1 two years in a row)
* Favorite Male Instructor - Artie Philips - New York (voted #1 two years in a row)
* Person of the Year - Gladys Torres - Texas
Results of the Denver Regional Van McCoy Contest
On Saturday, November 15, Hosted by Toby Monroe and emceed by Randy Atlas from IHSC, held the Van McCoy Regional Hustle Championship and also the World Salsa Congress Open Championship for the Denver area. Over 100 persons attended the workshops, dance party and competitions. Top local instructors served as guest judges and workshop instructors. The Van McCoy 2nd place finalists were Delmer Johnson and Karis Sneve, and 1st Place winners were Raye Avery and Irena Griffin from Houston. The Salsa finalists were John Weller and Debra Haver in 2nd place, and the 1st place winners were Andrew McCay and Alicia Burke. The first place winners received passes for the International Hustle and Salsa
Competition (IHSC) in April 1-4 2004 and they are automatically entered in the semi-finals held at IHSC for the grand Prizes and monies.
Congratulations to all the winners.
DanceTalk * 11-18-03
Happy Birthday wishes to Robin Amante, Carole Phelps, Sandy Lizzi,
DJ Bobby Morales and Alex Abraham.
Please check out all the Holiday Socials and events coming next month. Now is the time to start planning. There is no better time to celebrate and enjoy life with a dance during the holidays. Take a friend...or two.
Come out to Club IBBG, Tuesday night November 18th, to celebrate Robin Amante's birthday. Located at 1100 Stewart Ave in Garden City (Exit M3W off Meadowbrook Parkway) in NY. Hustle Latin WCS night from 8:30PM - Admission $6
Check out all the details on DJ Nino Torre's new dance gig Thirty Something Sabado's At SAMBA Brooklyn's Newest Upscale Latin Supper. Grand opening is November 22nd.
Congratulations to Raye Avery & Irene Griffin for their TWO 1st-place wins, Advanced Just Hustle and Open Hustle, last weekend at the Dallas Dance Festival.
Every 1st & 3rd Monday, Pioneer Club hosts a California Mix Social 8PM-11PM lesson at 8PM (Nov 17th, Dec 1st and Dec 15th) , Special DJ - Nino Torre spinning WCS, Salsa, Hustle and much more in Hasbrouck Hts, NJ Only $7 for more details call 201-288-1422
Here is an offer you can't refuse, every Thursday from November 20th to December 18th, The Society Hill Dance Academy, in Philly, will be offering a complimentary group class for anyone interested in learning the basics in Ballroom Dancing. Class begins at 8:30pm Then... Plan on staying for the dance Party from 9:15-11:00pm.
For more information call 215-574-3574 Or go to www.societyhilldance.com
Make it a great week,
Ron
The 2003 DanceTalk Readers Choice Awards"
Winners
Once again our great readers have voted for their favorites in the DanceTalk Awards.
Thanks to all those that took the time to vote and recognize the dancers and DJs that have given so much of themselves to the dance scene.
Most dance contests are judged based on timing, technique and togetherness. The system is a formal stringent method .... but our awards let your peers acknowledge your skill, talent and hard work, well, that says it all.
This years readers choice awards proved to be very competitive and down right close in a few categories. With almost 300 votes cast.... the nominations have been tallied, the readers have spoken. May I have the envelope, please....
Congratulations to all the winners.
* Favorite DJ - Bobby Morales (voted #1 two years in a row)
* Favorite Female Dancer - Silvana Gallagher
* Favorite Male Dancer - Keith Gussoni
* Favorite Dance Couple - Erik Novoa and Laura Cozik
* Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) - Luis Rosa and Mary Poma
* Favorite Female Instructor - Diane Nardone (voted #1 two years in a row)
* Favorite Male Instructor - Artie Philips (voted #1 two years in a row)
* Person of the Year - Gladys Torres
DanceTalk * 11-11-03
Wishing Johnny Ortiz a speedy recovery. Johnny 'O' is a veteran DJ, wonderful dancer and a beautiful person. We look forward to hearing him spinning his hott dance music soon.
Next week I'll post the results of the 2003 DanceTalk Readers Choice Awards, polls close this Wednesday. Send your ballot in today.
I had the opportunity to visit the Paladium Night Club in South Florida this past week. DJ Bobby Gerard keeps the music pumping all night long on Tuesdays. This is a must when your in the Fort Lauderdale / Miami area.
Congratulations to Karen West and Chris Lakeoteis. They are the 3rd week winners at Dance Mania at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, every Sunday night.
The contest is eight consecutive weeks for big cash prices and a contract to perform. Visit www.Hustlexplosion.com.
Jerry Blavat, the Geator returns to the Verizon Hall for his 3rd Annual Sound Spectacular featuring Gloria Gaynor, The Dells,…Jan 11, 2004.
The Lennon Project, is scheduled to hit Broadway next year. A musical featuring the music of John Lennon. Yoko Ono is finalizing the deal.
At only 13 years of age, she became one of the premier female hustle dancers of all time. Her career and story comes to DanceTalk soon. Guess who?
Make it a great week,
Ron
Dance Fever - Old Vs New
Now that the smoke has cleared, we can look back on last seasons revised dance show, Dance Fever.
Clearly, the only thing similar from the original Merv Griffin Dance Fever series and the new one is..., well, the name.
"Do I like it or do I love it," "Its all good," "I may have to change my panties," were some of the repetitive, over stated responses from the celebrity judges on the new show. The majority of the mail I've read questioned the integrity of the new show based on the judging. The judges diversity appeared to be limited based on their overall dance knowledge. Strong and talented in some areas but lacking in the art of social "partner" dancing. The original Fever of the 80's had requirements including all competitors be a couple -- a male and female. This encouraged partner dancing. As the old show aged the boundaries broadened permitting other styles of dance to be recognized. But in the end, only a couple could win on the original show. The judging was done by celebrities (not necessarily dancers) on the original show. A bad call by a judge was more tolerable since the "judges" were not seen as pros.
The new show has taken on a new look. Understandably, the old formula may not work today? The new show's Grande finale came down to -- a four man clogging group against a four man hip-hop jazz group. Competing in the "reality ratings" show war let us get to know the competitors a bit better.
Can the show survive? Should it be revamped?
Erik Novoa and Laura Cozik were the only couple to perform a hustle on the series this season. New York bred, Erik lends his bullet points on how to turn the show around.
* Established dancers as judges (Debbie Allen, Baryshnikov, Savion Glover). It's amazing what a TV audience can learn if the show is truly fierce and serious about what it presents.
* They should have preliminaries with break dancers against break dancers, partner dancers against partner dancers and solo jazz numbers against solo jazz numbers...only in finals should judges have to judge "apples" against "oranges".
* Lastly, the show can't be just about good looking teenagers....there are a lot of amazing older dancers (over 30 years old) that never made the preliminary cut because of the "older" look.
So, the million dollar question is, will there be a second season?
According to Dance Fever spokes person, Brenda Lowry, "The final show attracted two million viewers." Considering that this is cable TV, this is quite favorable ratings. The format may change but the show is working out some kinks and plans to return next summer.
Stay tuned.
New Music
Here is a new list of hott new dance music. **Keep in mind, many of these songs have been remixed for the ultimate dance beat. The song version on the album will differ in tempo from the remix. Check to make sure which rendition your listening too.
Kurtis Mantronik Presents Chamonix - "How Did You Know?" (Hott dance beat) 124 BPM sampling of Carrie Lucas,
K.M.C. - "I Feel So Fine"
Sapheiricut - "Free Your Mind"
Blue Man Group - "I Feel Love" ( remake of the classic)
Suzy K - "Circle"
Bappi Lahiri - "Disco Station"
Special Unit - "I've Sent My Sights On You"
4 Strings - "Take Me Away"
Kylie Minogue - "Slow"
Brittany Spears - "My Imagination"
DanceTalk * 11-4-03
Happy Birthday wishes to Donna Boyle and Mike Fardela.
This years Holiday Spectacular will take place Sunday, December 14th at a new location. The Community Center in northeast Philadelphia, located on Unruh Avenue.
See below for all the details.
Correction: The results of the Jack and Jill contest held at "Hooked On Hustle" were inadvertently posted incorrectly. The winners were Mimi Doi and Tuan.
Congratulations to Gary Ulaner and Michelle Kusanovich. They are the regional winners of the Van McCoy Dance Contest representing San Francisco. They are now eligible to move on to the finals being held at the IHSC in Miami this April 2004.
Star Search is looking for dancers to compete for $100,000! Dancers must be between the ages of 14-30. Seeking solos, duos, trios, and groups of four in all styles of dance. Auditions will be held in Philadelphia on November 9, 2003
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call (323) 860-3979
Before its to late, book your flights and reserve your room for the Hustle Cruise in 2004. Flights continue to go up in price. Take advantage of these prices now. Fort Lauderdale to/from NY/LaGuardia from $73* one-way on Spirit Airlines... www.spiritair.com
New Airline: USA 3000 from Newark to Fort Lauderdale $69 one-way
starting Dec. 22, 2003. www.USA3000.com or 1-877-USA-3000.
Fort Lauderdale is only 20 minutes from the Port of Miami and
the Super Shuttle bus has direct low-cost service to the cruise port.
JetBlue Airways, www.JetBlue.com NYC (JFK), WASH DC (DULLES), Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale $ 69 each way, good thru February, 2004.
Last week, DJ Mark Routzahn was presented an award, coinciding with his birthday, for his years of service, up lifting spirit and the friendship he has provided to the dance community. He was honored by dancers from all over NJ and Pa at Michael's Cafe in Bensalem Pa.
Congratulations to Leslie and Kelly Hildreth. They are the first week winners at the Sunday dance contest for Dance Mania at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. The contest continues for eight consecutive weeks for big cash prices and a contract to perform. Visit www.Hustlexplosion.com.
Donna Summer has signed new deals putting her music in many up coming movies including "The Whole Ten Yards," "Shrek 2" and "Pieces Of April." She is still closing in on putting her biography on the stage in a musical entitled "Ordinary Girl." Her new CD is doing quite well. Although it is a "best of," it includes three new songs. The first two combine Summers with long time friend Georgio Moroder. Georgio did the bulk of Donna's music including the ground breaking "I feel Love." Look for the new singles: Your So Beautiful, Dream A lots Theme, Thats The Way,
There's still time to participate in the "2003 DanceTalk Readers Choice Awards"
Vote now in each category.
*Favorite DJ - *Favorite Female Dancer - *Favorite Male Dancer -
*Favorite Dance Couple - *Favorite Dance Couple (not hustle) -
*Favorite Female Instructor - *Favorite Male Instructor
*Person of the Year -
Send your votes to Rowenlb22@aol.com
Next week, The revised "Dance Fever" Vs the original "Dance Fever."
Off to Florida,
Make it a great week,
Ron
Spot light
"Kristine W"
On September 11, 2001, as we sat glued to our televisions, watching in horror, as the USA was under attack, Kristine was undergoing her own fight. On 9-11, she was having a stem cell transplant. And like the mighty USA, she is back and "Flying Again." Last week marked the release of her newest CD on Tommy Boy records. With six straight # 1 Billboard accredited hits to her name, this is her newest project since being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
During the 90's she rocked the dance floors with her hits like "One More Try," "Land Of the Living," "Some Lovin and 'Stronger."
With the release of her new CD, she spoke with me about her inspirations.
Kristine grew up listening to various styles of music but was driven by the vocals of Donna Summer, Diana Ross, Blondie and Al Jaerur. "I loved theses great artists and anyone else that was glamorous." Growing up she studied tap dancing and ballet and incorporates various styles of dance into her show including hip hop. "Its very important to take the temperature of what the people are doing in the clubs. It is vital for me to stay in contact with the dance scene. When writing her songs, 10 of the 12 tracks she penned, she wants the beat to go with the lyrics, "I want it to fit the dance of today." Kristine has just completed the video for the title track, "Fly Again."
This song carries the good news of her victory now that she is in remission.
She has dedicated the new album to all the brave souls that have fought the cancer battle. In 2001, as she performed the songs from her album "Stronger," she was actually getting weaker. During her treatment stage she watched so many others battle cancer but..... came up short. While going thru chemotherapy and losing her hair, she was inspired to write songs.
Today she listens to jazz and dance music coming out of Europe. "Rap music works when it's musical and mixed. Straight rap is harder to stay with too long."
Her new CD, "Fly Again," will have you soaring. Her personal favorite cut is "The Wonder Of It All," but the first release will be the title track. Her vocals combine the range of Cher with the xcitement of Madonna. The new album includes an All Star team of producers that have previously worked with Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue, Deborah Cox, Dirty Vegas .....
The new album is full of great tunes led by "I'll Be Your Light" and my personal favorite "Save My Soul."
Kristine resides in Las Vegas with her family and pre schoolers. She has performed in Vegas for over a decade. In 1995 the "Night Club" in the Hilton Hotel / Casino was built for her show. She performed there for the next three years with her band, four dancers and three back ups.
Grateful to over come her battle and able to still perform, Kristine states, "with God's help, a whole lot of faith and the prayers of family and friends, I can tell you that it is possible to Fly Again."
With a fresh new album and a greater appreciation for life, she should be given a P. H. D. for will power. She just appeared performed at the 2003 Angel Ball, made an appearance on CNN and Fox News and will be performing thru out the US.
I anticipate her new album "flying" up the dance charts.
Press Release: Vincent Montana, Jr in Paris & Milan
From the 4th to the 14th October, Vincent Montana, Jr. was in Paris, with a quick overnight in Milan. He was there to promote the latest Philly Sound Works Catalogue compilation entitled "Heavy Vibes" on the Italian Label Temposphere. The double CD and triple vinyl includes such tracks as Heavy Vibes, It Looks Like Love, Let Me Work on You, South Soul Party Mix, What Happened To The Music and Who Needs Enemies to name a few. It is beautifully packaged and contains a 28 page booklet with very informative liner notes on his life and career in music and many "never seen before" photographs. There were two live radio interviews with a French station "Generation" and various interviews with local music magazines, along with a grand opening of a record store called "One Way". Rocco Pandiani, from Temposphere (a dear friend) made sure that Vincent was well looked after.
On the 8th October, Vincent played a live "Vibe Jam" concert to recorded tracks at "Café Real" in Milan, Italy to a very enthusiastic audience of various age groups - the young, up and coming DJ's that are getting turned on to his music 2nd time around and the people that know him well from the Salsoul days. He started the show with what other than "The Godfather" - just vibes, so the people could get a good feel for the sound of the Vibraharp. From there he went on to play "I Wish You Love" from his jazz album "This One's For You". Next was "Vibe Jam" which is an uptempo dance tune with a rhythm guitar and melodic strings. Then came "It Looks Like Love" followed by "Heavy Vibes". The next song, dedicated to Christiano Spiller who Vincent invited for dinner and the show was "GrooveJet (If This Ain't Love)". This song was sampled from the original Carole Williams hit "Love Is You" (Salsoul) by Spiller and became a #1 hit in London, and went on to take Europe by storm. Then he slowed it down with "For All We Know" one of Vincent's favorite jazz songs, only to pick it up again and bring the house down with his 9 minute vibe version of "Disco Inferno". Vincent was escorted off the stage by his daughter, Eileen (who accompanied him on the trip). When collecting the mallets and sheet music - in this moment 4 of the 5 mallets were stolen! Someone actually stole Vince Montana, Jr.'s mallets!!!! He took it very well, considering these mallets were 30 years old and played on every hit song that came out of Philadelphia and of course, the Salsoul classics. Eileen figured she'd pay a heavy price to get her father's mallets back on Ebay!!! The show was recorded on video and will be used to promote possible future concerts throughout Europe.
To end a nice story even nicer, Rocco Pandiani managed to track down and recover 3 of the 4 stolen mallets. The last one was sent priority mail from Italy. He's got his mallets back!!!! LOOK OUT!
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